Bunker drain system

ABSTRACT

An improved system for draining bunkers on golf courses. A receptacle is positioned below the bunker surface and can have an aperture for receiving drain water and an outlet for discharging the water through a conduit. A perforated pipe water collection system can be attached to the receptacle to direct water to the receptacle interior space. A receptacle cover is removable to permit access to the receptacle interior space. The cover is sufficiently strong to support the overlying weight of people and equipment and can have apertures for permitting water entry while resisting sand entry into the receptacle interior space.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to the field of golf. More particularly, the invention relates to sand bunkers and an improved water drain system for removing excess water.

[0002] The field of golf imposes unique design requirements on turf systems and sand bunkers disposed near greens. Bunkers are deliberately positioned to create artificial hazards to errant golf balls. The bunkers are typically constructed as depressions having a clay base with sloped sidewalls rising upward to turf. The bunkers have specific peripheral configurations, depth, and sloped sides. Sand overlays the clay base to provide the playing surface for golf balls. The sand is typically groomed daily by hand or with motorized equipment to present an even surface to the golfers. Rakes and other equipment “fluff” the top surface of the sand to present the desired surface.

[0003] In wet climates, rainwater compacts the sand and mixes the sand with the underlying clay base. Clay particles or “fines” discolor the overlying sand and also alter the playing qualities of the bunker. Various efforts have been made to reduce the commingling of sand and clay particles and to prevent other contamination of the sand. Cement is mixed with the clay base to harden and stabilize such base. However, mechanized equipment in the bunkers tends to crack the cement stabilized liner, leading to further deterioration. As shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,546 to Hubbs et al. (1998), fiber strands and water absorbent particles such as psyllium are added to soil to improve the soil shear strength.

[0004] Other bunker systems use geotextile fabrics underlying the sand. Fabric liners do not easily retain the sand on the sloped sides and are subject to rupture and other failure. Such liners do not independently correct the problems associated with rainwater accumulation in the bunkers.

[0005] Because the bunkers comprise depressions in the soil, rainwater collects in the bunkers and must be drained to another location. Perforated pipe is installed in the bottom of bunkers to drain excess water to a water discharge line. Gravel is packed around the exterior surface of the perforated drain pipe to form a French drain. Such systems eventually fail in wet climates because the clay linings are susceptible to erosion. Clay particles and other contaminants such as grass clippings pack around the perforated pipe to lower the fluid transmissivity of the gravel, and such particles further enter the pipe interior. Over time the accumulated intrusion clogs the pipe, requiring reconstruction of the entire bunker. Such construction is not only expensive to accomplish but also disrupts the utility of the golf course during construction.

[0006] Drain systems have been developed for other applications such as large playing fields. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,856 to Bohnhoff (1998) disclosed a thermoplastic mat underlying the surface which facilitated capture of water within an inflatable container for redistribution to the turf surface. Bohnhoff further described conventional perforated pipe networks and the problems associated with poor drainage.

[0007] In bunkers having perforated pipe drains, clay fines inevitably pack off the pipe at the lowest point in the bunker. This occurrence causes excess water to pond at this position within the bunker, further accelerating deterioration of the bunker drain system. A need exists for an improved bunker drain system which facilitates water drainage from bunkers and facilitates maintenance operations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The invention provides a system for draining water from a bunker having a surface covered with sand. The system comprises a receptacle having an interior space for collecting water and for discharging the water through an outlet in the receptacle, wherein the receptacle is capable of being positioned in the bunker surface at an elevation below the sand, an aperture in the receptacle for permitting water entry into the receptacle interior space, and a cover detachably engaged with the receptacle, wherein the cover resists entry of sand into the receptacle interior space, and wherein the cover is moveable to permit entry into the receptacle interior space.

[0009] In another embodiment of the invention, a perforated pipe connected to the receptacle collects water and directs the water toward the receptacle. The perforated pipe can be divided into two or more branches for covering a larger surface area of the bunker.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 illustrates an elevation view of a receptacle installed in a bunker.

[0011]FIG. 2 illustrates an elevation view of a pipe connected to a receptacle aperture.

[0012]FIG. 3 illustrates a screen in cooperation with an aperture for permitting entry of water while resisting sand entry into the receptacle interior space.

[0013]FIG. 4 illustrates a plan view of a perforated pipe collection system draining water to a single receptacle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The invention provides a unique method and apparatus for draining water from a bunker having a surface covered with sand. FIG. 1 illustrates receptacle 10 positioned within bunker 12 comprising soil 14 and sand 16. Bunker 12 is irregularly shaped and is sloped toward one or more ends so that excess water collects toward the low end of bunker 12. Soil 14 can comprises existing soil conditions, imported material such as clay, stabilized soil material, or other conventional bunker base material. Bunker 12 has steeply sloped sides terminating at ground elevation 18 so that bunker 12 forms a golf play hazard depressed below ground elevation 18.

[0015] Receptacle 10 comprises a substantially hollow box having interior space 20 and is formed with a material resistant to degradation such as plastic, metal, composite, or cemetitious product. Cover 22 is engaged with receptacle 10 and is movable to permit entry into interior space 20. Cover 22 resists entry of sand and other contaminants into interior space 20 and can be positioned on the upper portion of receptacle 10 as shown in FIG. 1 of on a side of receptacle 10 as shown in FIG. 2. One or more apertures 24 are located in receptacle 10, in cover 22, or both to permit water entry into interior space 20. As shown in FIG. 1, one or more apertures 24 can be incorporated within cover 22 to permit water entry. As shown in FIG. 2, aperture 24 can be connected to pipe 26 for the purposes described below. Although apertures 24 are illustrated in the side of receptacle 10, apertures 24 can be located in cover 22 as shown in FIG. 3.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, apertures 24 can be smaller than the particle size of sand 16 and other contaminants to resist entry into interior space 20. In another embodiment, screen 28 can be integrated with one or more larger apertures to provide the function of resisting sand entry as shown in FIG. 3. Screen 28 can be formed with a rigid or flexible material resistant to degradation and can comprise expanded metal, plastic, composites, fibreglass, filter cloth, or other material. Screen 28 can be removable to facilitate damage repairs or to adjust the screen 28 mesh size. Screen 28 can be formed with a single material or a combination of materials.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 2, aperture 24 can be positioned in a side of receptacle 10 for connection with pipe 26. Multiple pipes 26 can be connected with receptacle 10 instead of the single pipe shown. Pipe 26 can comprise a perforated pipe having one or multiple branches 30 for installation in different portions of bunker 12. FIG. 4 illustrates a plan view of bunker 12 wherein multiple branches 30 of perforated pipe 26 are positioned in bunker 12 to resist surface movement of water and to facilitate water drainage from the bottom surface of bunker 12. One or more branches 30 can connect directly to receptacle 10 or such branches can be combined into a single trunk branch 32 connected to receptacle 10 as shown. Depending upon the configuration and various elevations of bunker 12, more than one receptacle 10 can be installed at various low points within bunker 12, and such receptacles 10 can be connected together with pipe 16 or each can separately drain to an outside location. Although pipe 26 is not essential to the operation of the invention, pipe 26 removes water from the surface of bunker 12 at different locations and reduces the horizontal migration of water within bunker 12. This feature reduces the impact of erosion on sand 16 during moderate rainfall. For events of heavy rain, excess water can flow along the surface of bunker 12 or through sand 16 and enter receptacle through one or more apertures 24.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 2, receptacle 10 has one or more outlets 34 for discharging water from interior space 20. Outlet 34 can be connected to conduit 36 for transporting water to another location by gravity fall or by a pump mechanism (not shown). Outlet 34 can be positioned flush with the bottom of interior space 20 or can be elevated above such bottom as illustrated to trap sediments within receptacle 10 for subsequent removal. If desired, filter 38 can be positioned proximate to outlet 34 to restrict sediment particles from outflow into conduit 36.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, handle 40 can be attached to cover 22 to facilitate removal of cover 22 from engagement with receptacle 10. Handle 40 can be attached to the top of cover 22 as shown or to the sides of cover 22. In one embodiment of the invention, one or more hinges 42 can connect cover 22 to receptacle 22. If cover 22 is located on the upper portion of receptacle 10, cover 22 is preferable strong enough to withstand impacts from persons or equipment or other animate or inanimate object travelling over or stepping onto cover 22. The size and configuration of apertures 24 located in cover 22 can be smaller than a person's foot to resist damage caused by overlying foot traffic.

[0020] By positioning sand on top of receptacle 10 or cover 22, the presence and function of cover 22 is not readily apparent to golfers, leading to relatively uninterrupted golf play. This feature of the invention is particularly significant because a golf ball resting on top of receptacle 10 or cover 22 can be played from the overlying sand 16 surface, therefore providing uninterrupted play regardless of location.

[0021] The invention provides superior benefits regarding the installation cost, operability, and maintenance costs associated with sand bunkers on golf courses and other applications. Costly replacement of perforated drain pipe systems is essentially eliminated, since cover 22 provides access to interior space 20 within receptacle 10 to facilitate routine sediment removal. Sediment is easily removed from interior space 20, from upstream pipe 26, and from downstream conduit 36. Pipe cleaning tools can be operated through cover 22 and moved upstream through pipe 26 (or downstream through conduit 36) to remove sediments intruding into pipe 26 without requiring upstream location of pipe 26 ends, and without requiring removal of pipe 26 from soil 14 or sand 16. Underground maintenance can be performed through cover 22 and receptacle 10 without interfering with golf play, and without significantly disrupting the sand surface of bunker 12. These features of the invention permit ongoing maintenance of golf bunkers without causing expensive cessation of golf play opportunities.

[0022] By providing cover 22 independent from receptacle 10, the configuration of apertures 24 or the size and composition of screen 28 can be adjusted to adapt to field conditions or to permit change in the composition of materials such as a change in the bunker sand 16. Screen 28 can comprise a single material or a composition of different materials or layers and can include screen and embedded strength components.

[0023] To enter interior space 20, the position of receptacle 10 can be mapped regarding its location and sand 16 is removed from the relatively small region overlying cover 22. After cover 22 is located, cover 22 can be completely detached from receptacle or otherwise moved relative to receptacle 10 to permit inspection or maintenance entry into interior space 20. When finished, cover 22 is reinstalled relative to receptacle 10 and sand 16 is replaced over cover 22 to restore bunker 12 to the original playing surface.

[0024] Although the invention has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, it will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that modifications and improvements can be made to the inventive concepts herein without departing from the scope of the invention. The embodiments shown herein are merely illustrative of the inventive concepts and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for draining water from a bunker having a surface covered with sand, comprising: a receptacle having an interior space for collecting water and for discharging the water through an outlet in said receptacle, wherein said receptacle is capable of being positioned in the bunker surface at an elevation substantially below the sand; an aperture in said receptacle for permitting water entry into said receptacle interior space; and a cover detachably engaged with said receptacle, wherein said cover resists entry of sand into said receptacle interior space, and wherein said cover is movable to permit entry into said receptacle interior space.
 2. A system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a perforated pipe having an end attached to said receptacle for directing water into said receptacle interior space.
 3. A system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a pipe attached to said receptacle outlet for directing water away from said receptacle interior space.
 4. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said receptacle aperture is located in said cover.
 5. A system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a hinge for attaching said cover to said receptacle.
 6. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said cover includes a plurality of apertures for permitting water entry into said receptacle interior space.
 7. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said cover includes a mesh for permitting water entry into said receptacle interior space while preventing entry of the sand.
 8. A system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a handle attached to said cover to facilitate movement of said cover relative to said receptacle.
 9. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said cover is sufficiently strong to resist failure caused by an object impacting said cover.
 10. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said cover includes a screen formed with expanded metal screen.
 11. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said cover includes a filter screen in combination with a support material resistant to deformation.
 12. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said cover is detachable from said receptacle.
 13. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said aperture is substantially closed by said cover, and wherein said cover has openings for permitting entry of water into said receptacle interior space.
 14. A system for draining water from a bunker having a surface covered with sand, comprising: a perforated pipe for collecting water from the bunker sand; a receptacle attached to said pipe and having an interior space for receiving water from said pipe and having an outlet for discharging water from said receptacle interior space, wherein said receptacle is capable of being positioned in the bunker surface at an elevation below the sand; and a cover detachably engaged with said receptacle, wherein said cover resists entry of sand into said receptacle interior space, and wherein said cover is movable to permit entry into said receptacle interior space.
 15. A system as recited in claim 14, wherein said pipe comprises at least two pipe branches for collecting water from different locations in the sand.
 16. A system as recited in claim 14, wherein said cover is sufficiently strong to resist failure caused by an object impacting said cover.
 17. A system as recited in claim 15, wherein said cover has at least one opening for permitting entry of water into said receptacle interior space.
 18. A system as recited in claim 17, further comprising a filter screen for resisting entry of sand into said receptacle interior space. 